Paul E. Dietz

Paul E. Dietz, 76, of Lebanon, IL, passed away on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.

He was born on October 12, 1945, to Ferdinand and Anna (nee Schmidt) Dietz, in Belleville, IL. Paul married Mary Jean “Jean” Harris on November 29, 1980, at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Lebanon, IL.

Paul was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Lebanon, IL. Strong in his faith, always walking with God, he knew all his verses, reading the bible every morning during his quiet time.  He was also a member of the FFA, the Farm Bureau, and the Shiloh Valley Grange.

Paul lived in the Lebanon area his entire life, starting work on the family farm when he was only five years old. In his younger days, he was an avid amusement park goer; taking his kids to ride all the roller coasters.  Paul loved to bake, especially around Christmas time, with sugar cookies being his favorite because he could make them just like his mother did.  He also loved to garden and was blessed with an incredible green thumb. When he wasn’t outside tending to his garden or taking care of his farm, Paul enjoyed canning with his wife, or could be found inside enjoying comedy and old western movies. He loved his dogs, was a train enthusiast, and was always up for watching a good sports game, no matter the sport.  He loved to travel; going on many road trips.

A quiet man, Paul didn’t say much, but when you had a problem, he always had an answer; and was always willing to help anyone out with nothing in return.  He was strong, reliable, caring, loving, and generous, overall, he was a gentle giant with a big heart. As a “Dietz”, he could also be hardheaded and highly opinionated.  Paul was highly intellectual, very good with his money and a great businessman. He was very blessed to have his nephew, Mike Dietz, as a business partner, who now takes over the tradition of the family farm.

Paul’s family meant everything to him. He loved being a grandpa and was always at the hospital, in the area, or on his way when each grandchild was born. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ferdinand and Anna Dietz; brothers, Charles “Chuck” Dietz, and Robert “Bob” (Sharon) Dietz.

Paul is survived by his loving wife, Jean Dietz; children, Michelle (Dan) Miller, Katy (Alex) Joseph, Nick (Brittany) Dietz; grandchildren, Michael Miller, Kaelynne Miller, Bethany Miller, Siobhan Miller, Jaxon Miller, Camden Joseph, Sawyer Joseph; brother, John (Mary Jane) Dietz; sister-in-law, Jeanette Dietz; many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ or the Lebanon FFA.

Visitation: Monday, June 20, 2022, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and Tuesday, June 21, 2022, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Lebanon, IL.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, June 21, 2022, 10:30 am, St. Paul United Church of Christ, Lebanon, IL.

Clergy: Rev. Dr. Don Wagner, Pastor

Interment: College Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, IL.

Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL